1. Just do it! Too many aspiring dancers have convinced themselves, or let others tell them, that they ‘just can’t dance’, so they don’t even try to learn. If you can walk, you can learn to dance. Ballroom dancing is made up of steps, forward, backward, to the side, and in place. It is the combination of these steps in different ways that creates the pattern of a dance. Steps are learned one at a time, just like when you were two years old and learning to walk! Don’t let anyone discourage you, you CAN learn to dance!

2. Choose a studio carefully. All dance studios are not the same. It has been my experience that the best value for money is with a locally owned independent studio, rather than one of the national chains. This is not always the case, but I have found it to be true most of the time. I also strongly suggest looking for a studio that caters specifically to ballroom dancing, not one whose primary interest is ballet, tap, jazz, with just a couple of dance classes thrown in as an afterthought.

3. Sign up for a beginner group class first. I recommend this for several reasons. Group classes are usually quite reasonably priced, so there isn’t a huge initial outlay of cash. Everyone in the group is just like you, a beginner, so there’s less chance of feeling silly if you miss a step or two. (And you will, but so will everyone else. You’ll quickly learn to laugh it off and move on.) Whether or not you have a partner won’t matter in a group class. Most instructors will rotate partners in a class, partly to deal with an unequal number of men and women, but also to enhance each member’s ability to lead, if male, or follow, if female. There is plenty of banter and laughter during the group classes as everyone learns new skills and makes mistakes while doing so. They are always so much fun and you will be surprised how quickly you start to look forward to the next class. Classes generally meet once a week, usually for one hour, for a period of 6 or 8 weeks, at which time you can choose to continue with that class or choose another.

4. Don’t be discouraged! You’ll probably walk out of that first class feeling a bit overwhelmed and letting negative thoughts invade your head, telling you that you’ll never get it right. It’s just not true! Fortunately, you can’t remember when you were two years old and learned to walk for the first time. How many times do you think you fell on your butt before you crossed the room?

What if you had told yourself to just give up, this is too hard, I will never learn this? I guess we’d all keep on crawling! No, don’t give up. When you get home, try to repeat at least some of the steps you learned during that first class. Even if you can’t remember them when you get to your car, the next class almost always starts with a review of the last class. If you stick with it for the 6 or 8 week session, you’ll lose out with some basic movement knowledge under your belt, I promise.

5. What should you wear to go to class? The clothing that is worn to ballroom dance classes is as varied as the people who attend them. Some wear jeans or pants, some women prefer to dance in skirts or dresses. Wear clothing that is comfortable, perhaps a little baggy, to give you the freedom to move without constriction. Another thing to consider when choosing your clothing is the temperature. Most studios stay a bit chilly, so you may be tempted to wear a sweater or long-sleeved shirt. I would advise against this. Believe it or not, your body temperature will rise as you dance, to the point where some people actually sweat. A light short-sleeved shirt will serve you well. Be clean, casual and comfortable.

6. Your choice of shoes can make the difference between enjoying ballroom dancing and not even being able to master the steps. Please don’t make the mistake of wearing rubber soled shoes. They do not offer adequate traction for sliding, turning, or turning. A loafer type is good, or any shoe with a smooth sole. For women, a heeled shoe allows for attractive movements, but it’s certainly not a necessity when you’re just starting out. Later on, you may want to consider purchasing a pair of dance shoes. These are specifically designed to be worn on the dance floor and nowhere else. The soles are suede which allows them to slip on easily making twists and turns almost effortless. Some studios offer dance shoes for sale, or there are many online sites you can order from. I also do not recommend wearing open-toed shoes, such as sandals or flip-flops. Remember that you’re in a beginner’s class, and there’s always a chance that someone might accidentally step on those toes!

7. Arrive a few minutes before the class start time. There’s usually a sign-up sheet, and many studios give out name tags to help you get to know your fellow dancers. If you have dance shoes, you will need those extra minutes to change out of your street shoes. Arriving early also gives you a chance to mingle a bit with others who are there for the same class. Nothing disrupts a class more than someone who is late while the instructor is demonstrating a new step.

8. Commit to practice. You will never master ballroom dancing (or anything else for that matter) without practice. If you have a problem with a particular step or pattern, it’s perfectly acceptable to stay for a few minutes after class and go over it once or twice with your partner. Practice the steps at home once or twice a day, you’ll be surprised how much better you retain them throughout the week and it will make the next class so much easier. This is another benefit of getting to class early, it gives you time to practice those steps one more time before the instructor starts. Most studios also offer a weekly or monthly ‘practice party’ or ‘studio dance’. These are great for practicing what you’ve learned, as well as seeing the most successful dancers, which is what you’re striving to become! I cannot stress enough the importance of studio dances and the role they play in honing your dance skills. Plan to attend whenever possible, even if you are new and just starting out. Maybe even ESPECIALLY when you’re new and just starting out! Experienced dancers are always happy to help a newcomer, and the dances provide a perfect complement to their classes.

9. Enjoy all the non-dancing benefits of ballroom dancing. Through her dancing, you will find a boost in self-confidence, an increase in balance, and an improvement in posture. Through your dance, you will raise your heart rate, thus improving your cardiovascular health. Through your dancing, you will meet new people, make new friends, improve your social skills and possibly make new business contacts. The dance floor is a great equalizer. In a beginner’s class, everyone is a beginner, whether they are a doctor or a lawyer, a bricklayer, a waitress or a schoolteacher. During that hour each week, the stress of daily life simply melts away as you immerse yourself in learning the steps, listening to music, and connecting with your partner. It’s great therapy and much cheaper than a shrink!

10. Most important of all, HAVE FUN! It’s not a race or a competition, everyone eventually ends up in the same place, dancing with their partner and having a great time. You may experience moments of frustration with yourself or with your partner, but don’t let that overshadow all the benefits of becoming a ballroom dancer. If you find you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, consider a different dance. Maybe the foxtrot or waltz isn’t your thing, try the cha-cha, tango or swing. Over time, you will find your favorite and you can focus on that. I think you’ll end up like most ballroom dancers, loving them all and not wanting to stop until you’ve learned them all!

Welcome to the magical world of ballroom dancing!